A way-too-early Colorado football depth chart projection for 2026's offense

it’s never too early to look into the potential starters for the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Quarterbacks: Julian Lewis, Isaac Wilson

When it comes to offensive guarantees, Julian Lewis is about as locked in at quarterback as it gets.

Colorado expects Lewis to build on last season's limited action—four games, two starts—before he was shut down in the finale at Kansas State to preserve his redshirt.

Colorado added an experienced backup quarterback to Lewis via the transfer portal in former Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson.

Running backs: Micah Welch, Richard Young, Dekalon Taylor, Damian Henderson II, Jaquail Smith

This position group will see heavy action this season. Colorado added transfer running backs Richard Young (Alabama), Damian Henderson II (Sacramento State), and Jaquail Smith (Sacramento State) to compete in Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense after losing Dallan Hayden, Simeon Price, and RB/WR hybrid Dre'lon Miller.

I'd still have Welch getting the nod as the starting halfback from day one, but don't be surprised if this position becomes a revolving door with multiple players seeing significant time.

Wide receivers: DeAndre Moore Jr., Joseph Williams, Kam Perry, Danny Scudero, Ernest Campbell, Quanell Farrakhan Jr., Hykeem Williams, and Quentin Gibson

Even after watching star WR Omarion Miller head to Arizona State through the transfer portal, Colorado still boasts impressive talent and speed at the position.

Portal additions Moore Jr., Scudero, Perry, and Campbell bring speed and versatility to the new offensive game plan.

Moore Jr. and JoJo are the clear top two receivers, with Scudero, Perry, Campbell, Hykeem, and Gibson rotating behind them.

Tight ends: Zach Atkins, Fisher Clements, Corbin Laisure, Brady Kopetz

Colorado expects Atkins to break out as TE1. The new offensive scheme should create more opportunities for him to make an impact.

Colorado added Clements from Northern Colorado through the transfer portal. He played four seasons there and has two years of eligibility left.

The Buffs have a sneaky and underrated tight end room. Here's to hoping they can get more involved in the offense.

Left tackle: Bo Hughley

Jordan Seaton's unexpected departure hit Coach Prime and the Buffs hard. But they responded well, bolstering the offensive line through the transfer portal with additions like Georgia's Bo Hughley.

At 6-foot-7, Hughley gives Colorado a big blindside protector for JuJu with the versatility to also play right tackle.

Left Guard: Yahya Attaia/Jayven Richardson

Attia played four positions last season, including tight end. He allowed zero sacks and only one QB hit. Early projections favor him slightly.

The 6-foot-6 Richardson started twice and played in six games for Missouri last season.

Center: Demetrius Hunter

Hunter was an excellent addition by Coach Prime. The 6-foot-2 center has surrendered only two sacks in recent seasons but must improve his discipline after racking up 13 penalties over three years, including eight this past season.

Right Guard: Jose Soto/Jayvon McFadden

Soto followed his Sacramento State head coach to Colorado. The 6-foot-3 right guard allowed zero sacks or QB hits in conference play last season.

McFadden, Seaton's cousin and an Ohio State transfer, was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class by On3. He'll compete for a starting role.

Right tackle: Larry Johnson III

Johnson, a Tennessee transfer, started eight of nine games for Colorado this season before missing the final three with an injury.

Offensive lineman depth: Taj White, Aki Ogunbiyi, Sean Kinney, Leon Bell, Xavier Payne, Ben Gula, Josiah Manu

Colorado's offensive line depth appears stronger than it's been in years.

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